The Impact of Cancel Culture on Free Speech and Democracy

Cancel culture, characterized by campaigns to get people fired, deplatformed, or punished for their views, has led to a culture of fear and self-censorship. This phenomenon, which has intensified since 2014, not only affects conservatives but also targets left-leaning professors who are deemed not left enough. Administrators often encourage or facilitate canceling individuals, leading to an inauthentic and less engaged intellectual environment. The belief that censorship can fix the problem of bad ideas fails to acknowledge the dangers of group polarization and the suppression of authentic political opinions. Moreover, cancel culture has a chilling effect on comedy, hindering the capacity for self-reflection and the ability to laugh at oneself, which are important skills for personal growth and societal understanding.